Unemployed

Reality hit, along with depression. No job. And worse, no chances of finding a new one either.

Unemployed. The word itself sounds ugly. As opposed to "employee" which has a nice ring to it. It took me awhile to get used to it. For the first week, I avoided it as much as possible. "The economy is down... clients are losing money... laid off."

Last hired, first fired. Or in accounting terms (my profession): last in, first out.

Eventually reality, along with depression, hit. Unemployed. No job. And worse, no chances of finding a new one either.

My company couldn't have chosen a better time to let me go. All other firms just wrapped up their annual interview process and were already handing out offers for start dates in a year -- standard practice in accounting firms for those with no experience. In fact, I had procured the position I just lost a year earlier, and was employed less than two months before being bid farewell. So I would likely have to wait until the next round of interviewing in a year from now, in order to start working again a year after that -- two years later!

Who would want to hire someone who hasn't landed (or held) a job in two years of looking?

The key was finding, among the hundreds of firms in the New York area, a firm that was resilient to the current economic situation -- and was hiring. And finding the right person to convince of my indispensability. That person is usually not the receptionist who answers when I call and say, "Hi, I'm looking for a job."

A challenging task, to say the least.

I've learned a lot about searching for a job -- like networking requires notifying the whole world that I am now officially Unemployed and Looking. Sounds a lot like my dating life. Ouch.

Every so often, people would surprise me, usually people I didn't really know.

And I learned a lot about people. Sadly, so many people just didn't get around to helping me out, or only did the barest minimum. And those who were closest to me most often let me down. Safely employed, they couldn't understand what a little extra effort on their part could do. In my mind, I blessed them that they should never be placed in the situation in which they would understand.

But every so often, people would surprise me, usually people I didn't really know. Like the man who, after determining that I wasn't the appropriate candidate for his opening, gave me free and excellent resume advice that really pushed my job search along. He even sent along his resume as a guide.

And the people who responded, "I don't have any openings for you, but I passed your resume on to three people who do." And the aunt who spent hours online job hunting because finding me work was easier than finding me a soul mate.

And my ex-professor, who took time out of his crazy hectic schedule to meet with me, even though he had no positions available in his firm, just to do his best to advise me and help me explore my options.

And most of all, my unemployed friends, who freely and generously sent me links and tips on companies that were looking to hire, and in the process, jeopardizing their own chances at getting the job. Now that's pure, unfettered selflessness. Perhaps only someone who is unemployed can understand the pure torture of not having a job and be willing to help another get out of that situation.

I now understand why boredom is used as a torture method for POWs.

I struggled with fighting an all-consuming hopelessness and obsession resulting from the fruitlessness of my job search. And, thankfully, I improved each day until I got through an entire day without crying once. That took a good two and a half weeks after losing my job.

I am learning to live up to my aspirations of leading a less materialistic life, thanks to my unexpanding bank account.

Now I use my time better, spending more time doing Jewish learning and volunteering regularly. I pray more strongly, and even arranged with an unemployed friend that we would pray for each other, as the sages say, "Anyone who prays for a for friend who has the same need, he will be answered first."

I understand the relationship between putting in my own effort and trusting in God a lot more. This time around, I want to find work in a Jewish environment, one devoid of foul language and fending off flirtations. If I have to wait two years to go back into my chosen profession, I'm dedicating more of that time to growing spiritually. And I am learning to live up to my aspirations of leading a less materialistic life, thanks to my unexpanding bank account.

I am still unemployed, but now, it's "I'm unemployed, but please God, I'll find something soon. It might take a year, but I know eventually I'll find it." Slowly but surely, I am seeing some changes in my job search. Maybe I'll get an interview soon. Maybe I'll even get a job offer. Who knows? Not me, but the Almighty does, so I'm not worried.

Featured at Aish.com:

Visitor Comments: 55

(54)
David Lipschitz,
August 8, 2010 7:40 AM

Cape Town Accountants

Dear Sarah
Your story is beautiful, especially "And most of all, my unemployed friends, who freely and generously sent me links and tips on companies that were looking to hire, and in the process, jeopardizing their own chances at getting the job. Now that's pure, unfettered selflessness. Perhaps only someone who is unemployed can understand the pure torture of not having a job and be willing to help another get out of that situation." Personally "I work to make myself redundant", so I value this approach.
If you know anyone in Cape Town or in South Africa who has similar aspirations and values to you, please let me know.
You can find me at MyPowerStation on Facebook.
Regards
David
Dear Mark Heckler
I have an idea where one can work without retirement funding, ie with an approach that means that one doesn't need to pay into a retirement fund. See http://repairyourworld.blogspot.com/2009/03/living-off-grids-taking-responsibility.html. Please let me know what you think?
Regards
David

(53)
Mark Heckler,
July 22, 2010 5:15 PM

Unemployed and (Way) Over 50

Hello Sarah,
Since this is July 22, 2010 and your article is probably dated, it is my profound hope that you have found challenging employment in our shared profession. I am also an accountant, in less than two months I will be 57 years old, my 99 weeks of unemployment comp ran out on April 23rd, and I am now resolutely convinced that my 32 years of business, management and accounting experience are worth exactly zero. When the Internet tells me that accounting is one of the ten best jobs for 2010, I nearly LOL. As I reflect on this circumstance I have become convinced that just as the millions of manufacturing jobs that left ours shores never to return, so have ANY jobs for the millions of my cohorts who remain unemployed. Gone, and quite deliberately forgotten by corporate America forevermore. That said, I still have a dry place to sleep at night, I can easily afford to lose fifty pounds, my high blood pressure is treated and under control, and like Micheal J. Fox, every day I wake up I accept the way things are, and I am grateful for the many small blessings of grace I experience throughout my day. I never have to look very far to see someone infinitely worse off than me. So, maybe I will invent a new career for other boomers like me: conscious homelessness. I could go south to the Keys, get a tan, eat fresh fish, ride my bicycle, lose weight and wait five years for my social security. Now that I think about it, that wouldn't be a bad gig. Hang in there Sarah; that's all any of us can ever do.

(52)
Abraham Myers,
October 14, 2009 7:26 PM

Pandering is the true cause of unemployment amongst the educated

All one has to do is take a look at state government and you will see how one sided the hiring is. Isn't it enough that 500k americans killed each other---- and for what---- so people who pay their dues cannot be hired. Most are afraid to call it like it is but I have experienced reverse discrimination so many times in the workplace.

Jenna,
September 6, 2011 1:04 AM

Hoping and Praying

Abraham,
I believe that no matter what race you are, as Americans, we have all paid our dues.

(51)
Richard Bush,
March 5, 2009 12:57 PM

Seeking CPA w/Great Plains Experience

Growing business in the Dallas Metroplex in IMEDIATE need of CPA with Great Plains software experience CALL KIM AT 972-463-0050 X124

(50)
Debbie,
February 13, 2009 3:04 PM

Husband out of work for 1 1/2 years

Anybody need a HR professional with 20 years of experience in the Tri-State area?

(49)
baddays,
December 10, 2008 12:26 AM

Where i live in Ohio as a lpn i have not been able to find a job. So i said the heck with it i will go work at Wal-Mart...
They are not even hiring

(48)
Chaya,
December 9, 2008 5:08 PM

wow thats me

Thank you for sharing your story. Although my story is a little different - i'm a recent grad - the situation and turmoil I experience are the same. As someone who is also spending more time within Judiasm I appreciate your words and feel motivated to do more as I wait for Hashem to provide me with work. I did not know the little fact about praying for another and am going to try to pray more and for others who are trying to find a job too. Thank you for sharing your story. It's nice to know we're not alone. May Hashem bless you with a job that allows you to continue connecting and inspiring other jews.

(47)
Anonymous,
December 7, 2008 3:41 AM

Suggestion

Having worked in an unstable environment with regular retrnchment for the past 5 years I fully appreciate how hard unemployment must be, I have seen colleagues lose jobs / homes / families.
Perhaps you could consider Career Tourism i.e. using your skills in a third world country where there is a skills shortage / gain valuable experience and life skills while you sit out the two year wait.
As for those closest to you, it is hard to know how to help source employement especially when many companies have policies to protect against nepotism and people are afraid of being accused of ill will for putting forward a candidate they know socially.
I wish you and all the unemployed well, hope you find meaningful and rewarding work.

(46)
Anonymous,
December 6, 2008 8:32 PM

thanx

thank you so much for the wonderful artice. For me, someone who is employed, it helped me see things from your prospective. Instead of complaining "oh no--work again?" i can be more thankfull for what i have. I hope that you find a job quickly and that you find a cute guy soon. keep up with the positive attitude! your doing a great job and thanks for the inspiration!

(45)
Gila,
December 6, 2008 9:36 AM

Helpful suggestions

As a CPA who has been in shoes similar, if not identical to yours:

1) Contact a temp agency that deals with accountant/finance positions. That will bring in some money to tide you over while giving you experience. And sometimes it can lead to permanent job offers.

2) Do not let your ego come between you and an opportunity. Someone offers you a job where you will be doing a lot of bookkeeping? Where you will make lousy money? If you will gain good,solid practical experience from it (and bookkeeping and other lower-level stuff is just that)--go for it. I have several times, and it has paid off hugely. Knowledge is never wasted.

3) Consider also looking for part-time positions, and supplement it with something in retail/ waitressing/ etc. No, it is not what you went to college for, but sometimes, things don''t work out exactly as planned. Besides, the act of really rolling up your sleeves and doing what you need to do to get the bills paid increases your trust in G-d when you know that you are willing and able to do what you need to do to help Him to help you.

(44)
Anonymous,
December 5, 2008 11:34 AM

"menial" job

In regards to Allie's comment: Do you really think girls should be working in a gas station? It is much easier for you to say that others should go and find a job in food service, gas stations, grocery stores, etc., but they just spent lots of time, energy and money in school for the career they have chosen and that is where they would like to work and earn the money they deserve.

(43)
Anonymous,
December 5, 2008 10:54 AM

Comment

I had similar experiences many years ago and now thankfully im doing awesome.
My advice is find an industry that is hiring and is doing well.
Don't be afraid to make changes if needed. Just because you went to school to be an accountant doesnt mean you can't ever adjust or change.
And as far as dating...All these people are looking for you, you gotta put in a lot of effort yourself. Take destiny into your own hands :)

(42)
jodi,
December 5, 2008 2:14 AM

Hmmm....Your story brings up hostile feelings in me. I don't know why. I was jealous that you had friends and family that you think let you down. Wow, you have family! Time to count your blessings. I don't know why I am feeling bitter reading your story still....there is something that I am not getting. I hope you get it. I don't think it is me.

(41)
Jonathan Freeman,
December 4, 2008 10:20 AM

Comments

From reading the comments, I find that most of them are complete nonsense. Instead of saying pray to Hashem and all will be well(I am certainly not minimizing spiritual pursuits) or say to get higher education, people should say may I have your resume so that I can contact people. In addition, people should also set people up on interviews and help pay for her expenses.
I read the comments and I can not believe that people seem so confident and are not willing to provide REAL physical help.

(40)
Allie,
December 3, 2008 8:07 PM

Umbrage

While I appreciate the general sentiment of this piece (and agree with it), I have to take umbrage at a couple parts.
First: the equation of unemployment with being a POW is ridiculous. I realise the author does not mean this literally, but as the child of a former POW, my guess is that the author cannot possibly imagine what they go through. If she could, she would not have made this comment.
Second: the paragraph detailing how let down she felt that others didn't help her (or help her more) is a bit entitled sounding. Of course, we always want help from our loved ones. But ultimately, we have only ourselves to rely on. God doesn't help those who ask others to do for them - God helps those who help themselves.
Lastly, I am wondering why there is no mention of the author having taken on some sort of "menial" job to make ends meet while she's looking for a career-driven position. I see so many unemployed people refuse to take jobs such as those in food service, gas stations, grocery stores, etc., but then complain they still don't have a job.

(39)
Rosen,
December 3, 2008 7:23 PM

another job search engine

Sarah, Rosen again - you may want to try the job website: www.indeed.com - it's like the Google of job searching. Just type in the position you are looking for (in your case, "accounting") and then enter whatever city and/or ZIP code you reside in. Have you also considered job counseling? Usually, depending on which start you are in, there is a state dept. of rehab services to help those find jobs for those who are low-income, unemployed, underemployed, and/or disabled. Good luck on your job front! PS: An accounting position should be a stable career, even in tough economic times, according to an article on CareerBuilder.com.

(38)
Rosa,
December 3, 2008 1:32 PM

more resources

I forgot to mention: jewishjobs.org, idealist.org, foundationcenter.org for nonprofit and communal work.

(37)
Anonymous,
December 2, 2008 9:25 PM

Do Not Give Up

I was very sick for about two years and lost my job. During my recovery I did not have energy for a full time job so I volunteered to help people and study to grow spiritually. During this time I also enrolled in classes to get new skills in my field so that I could get my own clients for short term assignments. This allowed me to make my own hours so that when I was tired I could rest and continue my work. I posted my resume in sites were recruiters and employers search for temporary or full time candidates (monster.com - flipdog.com ). I started getting calls for two week assignments during holidays in companies that were short of staff. I also started getting my own clients for short term work. All the states have web sites publishing their job openings and you can apply online. Example in Ohio were I live - agency.governmentjobs.com/ohio - ( There are accounting jobs posted: Insurance examiner, internal auditor, tax commissioner.....). Also Every city have sites listing open positions for example wwwcolumbusjobs.com were I live. I did a search on entry level accounting jobs and I found the following sites: collegegrad.com/entryleveljob/entrylevelaccountingjobs.shtml
accountingcrossing.com
indeed.com/q-Entry-Level-Accounting-jobs.html
accountpros.com/job_search_advice.asp
I hope this little bit of information will help. Good luck and do not give up.

(36)
Anonymous,
December 2, 2008 7:10 PM

I can relate. I'm surviving on a part time retiail job. I haven't done retail in 8 years when I was in college. I'm hoping there are women out there who won't write me off due to my lack of employment.

(35)
Dan,
December 2, 2008 6:39 PM

Network and listen

I want to say that I like what you wrote. Grow and be helpful to others when time are down. It picks me up as a business owner and as a person looking for work to help others. Say to others to start conversation what do you do? Mention that you are looking. People are willing to help those who ask. As someone mentioned already, "G-d helps those who helps themselves."

(34)
Rosa,
December 2, 2008 1:41 PM

Your search

I can relate as I was unemployed fo 10 months before finding a job in AUgust, and went through the same soul-searching you did. I am sorry about your situation, as I have friends who are looking for over a year and half. I would recommend joing Yahoo groups like Five Towns Shuls, Englewood Shuls, etc. because there are employment opportunities to be found, many in nonprofit. I try my best to help others who are unemployed, and if you'd like, send me your email (rosa.hollander@gmail.com) and if I come across anything, I will happily email you. Also look on the Ou.org board. Wishing you the best of luck.

(33)
Anonymous,
December 2, 2008 1:26 PM

Be grateful for the time

I was unemployed for six months before I got my present job. I felt like I was going crazy toward the end because I'm used to being very busy and all that unstructured time was very bad for me and became an empty pit inside me which was filled with depression and depressing, angry thoughts. I was so impatient that the system was taking so long I couldn't deal with it. Eventually I got a job and, guess what, I'm working so hard now that I realized that G-d probably sent me those 6 months as a time off to relax and spend time with my family, which is something I now don't have much time to do. Now I often feel I need a break from work, and look back at those six months and wish I'd savored them more. Hatzlochah!

(32)
Anonymous,
December 1, 2008 8:03 PM

There is always hope

It comes when least expected. At 60 years old I finally found a decent paying job for the first time in years. I should be looking towards retirement but that is not in the stars for me. Instead, Hashem opened a new door for me to at least make a living, for which I am so very grateful.

(31)
Anonymous,
December 1, 2008 6:16 PM

Classes to be a CPA.?

Comimg from a family of CPA's: husband(retired), daughter working as a consultant(temp), older son working for a utility company, younger son running his own company, my advise is to get practical! Here on the west coast, things are different. There are agencies(head hunters) specializing in finding jobs for accountants. Universities offer help to the graduates. Consider getting an MBA, study for the CPA exam, search for governmant openings: sales tax auditors, IRS agents. Find out about getting an adult education certificate to teach. Check out any openings for auditors for the military. Prayer is soothing, action gets results. G-d helps those who help themselves! Good luck.

(30)
Brian,
December 1, 2008 2:56 PM

similar thoughts

I am also a staff accountant with over 30 years experience. I agree with what you said It is good that you are finding things to do. I was out of work for 3 and 1/2 months. I went on a handful of interviews with no results. However, two months after I went to one interview not far from home, I received an offer. I accepted it. It came from the most unlikely source. So..my advice try to be optimistic each day..keep praying (as I did) and something good will happen.

(29)
Valentino,
December 1, 2008 12:50 PM

What a blessing to read this article today.

It has been an emotional morning for me dealing with being unemployed. It is has been two months and no sign of a job yet. What I do know is G-d is in control. Sometimes it gets hard and we lose focus of that. The Almighty does have a mighty plan for his children and we must rejoice. Thank you for sharing your story.

(28)
Anonymous,
December 1, 2008 10:49 AM

Thanks for your article. I've been without work since Oct 22, 2004. Then I got hit with divorce. Result my spouse won a lottery and I won debts. Good news is that the only place I could buy needs so much work I'm quite busy working on it-but it's slow and I'm learning but slowly. I cry every day-about missing my kids during the day or for every second week when they don't even sleep here-and about the pace of this rennovation- I have to create units to rent to stay solvent and keep my kid in hockey. I hope that any work will somehow get me in better shape to return to my job or retrain for something else.

(27)
Shoshana,
December 1, 2008 10:13 AM

Good luck

I really you hope you find a great new job and your soulmate soon! May Hashem help you and everyone else who is looking!

(26)
Monica,
December 1, 2008 7:20 AM

Thank You for the article

On November 6th I was fired from my job and living in NYS is a dangerous time to be without employment. G-d in his infinite wisdom open two doors for interviews this week. One tomorrow morning and the other for this Friday afternoon. I have to keep faith in the Almighty to guide me in the right direction. Good Luck and Best Wishes to all in need. Shalom...

(25)
Anonymous,
December 1, 2008 6:10 AM

Thank you for this article!

Talk about let G-d! I go the blog and didn't pay attention to it today, and here I am a mere few hours later, and FIRED! Thank you for sharing your pain and growth, which is a balm for my soul. In the merit of that may you be granted a job that suits you and you them, and may your Mr. Right find you as well!

(24)
Carl,
December 1, 2008 1:59 AM

We can trust G-d.

Psalm 37 is filled with trusting the Almighty, and how He looks after them that trust in Him. This is one of my favorites.
Psa 37:25 I have been young, and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, or his seed begging bread.

(23)
caryn,
December 1, 2008 1:22 AM

unemployed as well

Hi Sarah,
you have put all my thoughts down on paper am a Reg Nurse here in Israel desperately trying to find a nursing job and it is not working too well, but you ended that you have Let Go and Let G-d. I am not there yet, but am working on my Bitachon and Emunah it is a tough place to be.
good luck, i also go to classes and am so lucky to be here in israel
i guess Hashem does know what he is doing and am grateful to all I have
warm regards
Caryn

(22)
Anonymous,
December 1, 2008 1:08 AM

Same problem - unemployed due to cutbacks in NYC schools and disappearance of jobs in Marketing Communications

The NYC Dept. of Education has been terminating teacher whose tenure year is arriving, to prevent tenure from securing a teacher's position. Probationary workers throughout the city are unable to make it permanent unless they have a personal friend in charge. Creative Marketing Communications management positions, primarily Director positions on LI are non-existent now, and infrequent in Manhattan. Add age discrimination and there is nothing available.

(21)
Andrea,
November 30, 2008 11:10 PM

I have lost two jobs in 7 months, and it has been an amazing time of growth....
the second time, i was laid off, The day after the Chagim ended, I was last in first outed and now, a month later, I seem to be on track to a booming business baking kosher goods in my city which has no kosher bakery. this all started because i started baking challah beyond compare for shabbat which i loved so much.
a recruiter called last week and i am likely going to call her and tell her that it seems that g-ds will is leading me in a different direction. it feels good and peaceful.

(20)
Rachel K,
November 30, 2008 9:54 PM

Just another one of "US"

I say "US", because Sarah is just another unemployed person in a not so good economy. My husband and I have worked for 20 years. And we have owned several businesses. Now, we are both without work for the last 6 months. We are in our 40s and have come to realized that no one wants to take that risk. We lost our home and was down to one car. Which makes it hard to take the kids to school. BUT here is the biggest thing that keeps us going - Gd. If it weren't for Him or the power of prayer we would be worse off. We are living in a motor home, some friends just sold us a van for $180, and every time we think that we cannot get food or gas, or whatever, we are surprised by the generosity of family and friends. I know that all the Sarahs out there just need to hold on a little tighter to faith and Gd. With that I can only imagine it will get better.

(19)
SimpleJew#401,003,
November 30, 2008 9:42 PM

Please give us your Hebrew Name

If you submit your Hebrew name, we could pray for you (add you to the list of 100,000''s looking) for a job.
Wishing you much success and try to keep your head up. It helps the situation be more manageable. I hope things work out for you as quickly as possible! Good Luck!

(18)
tzipi,
November 30, 2008 8:58 PM

been there, done it

Sarah, I too have been in the "unemployment" black hole. But I too found some wonderful things the last time I was there. Like you, I found time for exploring my Jewish studies as I prepared to begin the conversion process. I also found a friend who has become very important to me. So sometimes we need to remember that saying about when nature creates a vacuum .. somehow it always gets filled. :-)

(17)
Anonymous,
November 30, 2008 6:58 PM

I feel your pain

Hi Sarah,
I've been laid off six times since 1994, and I'm so tired of it. Every time it's harder to find a job. I really understood what you said about people not helping. I had a friend who just never made that effort for me when it could have made a real difference, and while we're still friends, I haven't forgotten it. It hurt, and I don't understand it. Best of luck to you!

(16)
Jody Walles,
November 30, 2008 5:09 PM

It's just a timing difference

I was a CPA, bk, before kids! One accounting concept that I often apply to my life is the one of "timing differences". Here how it works: Hashem knows when we are going to get/lose a job, when the stove, car, etc. is going to break down, get married, have kids, (fill in your own idea), and it is up to us, when that "thing" finally happens, to say, "Well, B"H, now Hashem and I are on the same page!". In other words, just because I didn't know the stove was going to need repair, doesn't mean Hashem didn't know! It was just a matter of time til we BOTH knew, a timing difference! So, approach the "unemployed" time you have b'simcha, Hashem is giving you opportunities each moment to serve Him, and in that regard, there are no timing differences! Hatzlacha and may each day (working, not working, but always serving!)be filled with joy and optimism!

(15)
Anonymous,
November 30, 2008 4:16 PM

You are so lucky to have those skills

As Barry said, with an accounting background, you could do so many different things. I on the other hand, am the creative type, who has been out of work for 9 months now. It's much easier to get a job if you could also deal with numbers. It's all about the dollar. I also have been using my time going to Torah classes, and have grown so much in this time, I wish I could continue learning and only go back part time. It's up to Hashem Who knows what is best for us.

(14)
Deborah,
November 30, 2008 3:40 PM

Jewish environment

Hi Sarah, you are wise to look for the right work environment. I have a job (at least at this time) and I am grateful for it but as an observant Jew it's been difficult. I have worked places where my beliefs and Shabbat/Holiday schedule were respected and accomodated without any problems. Sadly, I remember interviewing for one job within the past year where the Jewish owner was upset when he found out I was Jewish AND observant. Thank you for your positive outlook.

(13)
Max,
November 30, 2008 2:47 PM

unemployment <>torture

"Perhaps only someone who is unemployed can understand the pure torture of not having a job"
The above statement is a scary idea. I was unemployed for a couple of fantastic months two years ago. It's good that you're focused on your job search, and are doing more Jewish learning.
You have to consider for a moment that this is also an opportunity for exploration of self, and the world. You know how little vacation we get in the accounting/finance world.
The ability to create your own structure is a great skill to develop while you're in this state of employment. It'll be great to say on an interviews how you can work on your own, or as part of a team based on how you spent your time during your job search.
Unemployment does not equal torture, it's an for change opportunity.
Best of luck,
Max

(12)
Rosen,
November 30, 2008 1:37 PM

un-der-employed

While there are many unemployed people out there, there is an almost equal amount of those un-der-employed, where they work limited hours and a few days a week. I happen to be one of the underemployed, especially for this winter as my job is seasonal. There are probably many of my peers, among many other age groups who are in the same or similar situation as I am in. I may have to ride out the economic unemployment and underemployment storm until I receive a significant job offer, as long as my resources add up to it.
Indeed, I just need money mostly to be independent and push my own weight around, as opposed to material non-essentials.

(11)
Sam Fisher,
November 30, 2008 12:03 PM

Accounting position

Sarah,
I am a CPA in NJ. We may have an opening for a staff accountant. E-mail me your resume to sam@samfishercpa.com & I'll be in touch.

(10)
Stuart,
November 30, 2008 11:55 AM

Instant networking

Sarah,
A simple but powerful point. You know you need to network to help find a job - how many thousands of people read your article? Where is your phone number, email address, or a simple way to contact you?? Your perfect employer may just be reading your article now, and has no way to reach you, unless they are the kind of person who would contact Aish and ask. Why not make it easy for them?!
Hatzlacha!!!
Stuart@3LeafGroup.com

(9)
Anonymous,
November 30, 2008 11:50 AM

JEWS LIKE WORKING FOR JEWS!

DID YOU EVER CONSIDER MAKING ALIYAH?

(8)
Kholmov,
November 30, 2008 10:55 AM

Praying for you

Sarah: There is little I can do for you from here. No, that''s not true. I can pray for you. Perhaps you can pray for me, too. I just landed a job in October, worked for two weeks, then found out that I was hired by mistake. They will probably take me back, but I don''t know when...and I haven''t been paid yet.

(7)
ruth housman,
November 30, 2008 9:38 AM

the word: JOB

Hi, so often in our society we equate self-worth with the job we are doing, and the loss of employment, is frequently seen as a loss of much more than the income we need for survival. It's about self-worth. There are deep metaphoric connects that then apply to our lives that do connect with this LOSS, as all losses in life are like beads on a string, and to activate one, is so often to activate all the others.
I think it's interesting that in all our lives, when something deep happens, that rocks us, even that sends us tail spinning into personal despair, there is usually something good that eventually emerges out of the darkness. As you have said, you are now finding yourself in other ways, and making new commitments, and achieving another kind of "spin" on this thing called unemployment.
There is another word that is a name that is identical and that is the biblical name, JOB. How interesting? Is there a deep metaphoric connect to this that bears examination. I have, in my own life, and I have thought deeply about this, having gone through my own dark teatime of the soul, that was about meaning in life, and jobs.
I can also say that I have found JOB in the clinics where I have worked on and off as a psychiatric social worker, down the years. I am saying that there is some deeper truth to a book called Mirrors in Time, that uses the Jewish holidays and the Jewish experience, as a mirror, a metaphoric pathway, to greater truths about all of us.
But I see metaphor wherever I go, and something deeper than deep that is about all of our lives. Ultimately I know that as the pearl is produced so it is, we pass through life, through its myriad obstacles with a chance to be polished, as there's the rub, the pearl in the shell that is produced by sand in the oyster.

(6)
Jürgen,
November 30, 2008 9:35 AM

It is the same everywhere

As far as so good, as long as it concerns only one itself.If you have family with children and you cannot provide her,then it gets bad.A worldwide problem,there is no simple and quick solution for it.one should believe in himself and making the best from the situation.one can otherwise only wait and trust on God

(5)
david barker,
November 30, 2008 9:32 AM

keep trying

Hi Sarah
I live in England and things are not too good here. But.... being 64 thought I was on the scrap heap. Again with a little pushing have now been offered 5 jobs across Europe and have just come back from Italy for a company.
So keep your chin up. It will happen all you want.
All the Best
David

(4)
charles salem,
November 30, 2008 9:05 AM

do something you''d never thought of doing before

Hi
I''m with Baryy - but would go further.
i was ill, 4 years out of work, life fell apart the lot...but it turnbd me onto a whole new lifestyle, income stream, career path the lot...just by re-adjusting my view point and trying something new.All the while you need an anchor to the past like a rabbi and / *or* retired businessman who has seen life from both sides - up and down to mentor you. That way you''ll do as i I did - discover a whole new you and ironically - be better for it.
There might be short term lossess but long term gains, to your faith and ironically bank balance! All th best Charles

(3)
Anonymous,
November 30, 2008 8:58 AM

Use your talents in other areas

Sarah - I also have an accounting degree and becasue of the competition and scarcity, I pursued some offers in Operations and have been quite happy. For example Procurement enables me to use my analytical skills as well as work extensively with Exel. Give it a try - Operations is exciting and critical to a compnay's mission

(2)
Ellen Rappaport,
November 30, 2008 8:05 AM

You're not alone

Thank-you for writing this much needed article. I was layed off and soon afterwards started substitute teaching in the public and a private school(s). The pay is extrememly low with nothing paying into social security. This is my 3rd year looking for full-time work with benefits in Florida. A horrible situation at this time.
May I suggest the book: "A Cliff Walk" by Don Snyder. As a librarian without a library this book is a must read for all who find themselves in this situation.
Ellen Rappaport
Largo, Florida

(1)
Barry J White,
November 30, 2008 7:47 AM

think and act in a larger arena

Sarah, expand your circle of contacts and of possible employment and work settings. Maybe go back to school and take some graduate or specialization courses. Find some small businesses who could use a more personalized accountant. Use your skills in other ways. Crimial investigaion. Forensic auditing. Become a financial planner. Use your skills to analyze business or real estate opportunities which might be good buys or investments in this market.Think outside of traditional avenues. Good luck.

I live in rural Montana where the Cholov Yisrael milk is difficult to obtain and very expensive. So I drink regular milk. What is your view on this?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Jewish law requires that there be rabbinic supervision during the milking process to ensure that the milk comes from a kosher animal. In the United States, many people rely on the Department of Agriculture's regulations and controls as sufficiently stringent to fulfill the rabbinic requirement for supervision.

Most of the major Kashrut organizations in the United States rely on this as well. You will therefore find many kosher products in America certified with a 'D' next to the kosher symbol. Such products – unless otherwise specified on the label – are not Cholov Yisrael and are assumed kosher based on the DOA's guarantee.

There are many, however, do not rely on this, and will eat only dairy products that are designated as Cholov Yisrael (literally, "Jewish milk"). This is particularly true in large Jewish communities, where Cholov Yisrael is widely available.

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein wrote that under limited conditions, such as an institution which consumes a lot of milk and Cholov Yisrael is generally unavailable or especially expensive, American milk is acceptable, as the government supervision is adequate to prevent non-kosher ingredients from being added.

It should be added that the above only applies to milk itself, which is marketed as pure cow's milk. All other dairy products, such as cheeses and butter, may contain non-kosher ingredients and always require kosher certification. In addition, Rabbi Feinstein's ruling applies only in the United States, where government regulations are considered reliable. In other parts of the world, including Europe, Cholov Yisrael is a requirement.

There are additional esoteric reasons for being stringent regarding Cholov Yisrael, and because of this it is generally advisable to consume only Cholov Yisroel dairy foods.

In 1889, 800 Jews arrived in Buenos Aires, marking the birth of the modern Jewish community in Argentina. These immigrants were fleeing poverty and pogroms in Russia, and moved to Argentina because of its open door policy of immigration. By 1920, more than 150,000 Jews were living in Argentina. Juan Peron's rise to power in 1946 was an ominous sign, as he was a Nazi sympathizer with fascist leanings. Peron halted Jewish immigration to Argentina, introduced mandatory Catholic religious instruction in public schools, and allowed Argentina to become a haven for fleeing Nazis. (In 1960, Israeli agents abducted Adolf Eichmann from a Buenos Aires suburb.) Today, Argentina has the largest Jewish community in Latin America with 250,000, though terror attacks have prompted many young people to emigrate. In 1992, the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 32 people. In 1994, the Jewish community headquarters in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 85 people. The perpetrators have never been apprehended.

Be aware of what situations and behaviors give you pleasure. When you feel excessively sad and cannot change your attitude, make a conscious effort to take some action that might alleviate your sadness.

If you anticipate feeling sad, prepare a list of things that might make you feel better. It could be talking to a specific enthusiastic individual, running, taking a walk in a quiet area, looking at pictures of family, listening to music, or reading inspiring words.

While our attitude is a major factor in sadness, lack of positive external situations and events play an important role in how we feel.

[If a criminal has been executed by hanging] his body may not remain suspended overnight ... because it is an insult to God (Deuteronomy 21:23).

Rashi explains that since man was created in the image of God, anything that disparages man is disparaging God as well.

Chilul Hashem, bringing disgrace to the Divine Name, is one of the greatest sins in the Torah. The opposite of chilul Hashem is kiddush Hashem, sanctifying the Divine Name. While this topic has several dimensions to it, there is a living kiddush Hashem which occurs when a Jew behaves in a manner that merits the respect and admiration of other people, who thereby respect the Torah of Israel.

What is chilul Hashem? One Talmudic author stated, "It is when I buy meat from the butcher and delay paying him" (Yoma 86a). To cause someone to say that a Torah scholar is anything less than scrupulous in meeting his obligations is to cause people to lose respect for the Torah.

Suppose someone offers us a business deal of questionable legality. Is the personal gain worth the possible dishonor that we bring not only upon ourselves, but on our nation? If our personal reputation is ours to handle in whatever way we please, shouldn't we handle the reputation of our nation and the God we represent with maximum care?

Jews have given so much, even their lives, for kiddush Hashem. Can we not forego a few dollars to avoid chilul Hashem?

Today I shall...

be scrupulous in all my transactions and relationships to avoid the possibility of bringing dishonor to my God and people.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...